Racers move to the start line prior to a race during the inaugural Riverfest Regatta last year on the Androscoggin River in Lewiston-Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file photo
LEWISTON — The second Lewiston-Auburn Riverfest is set for this Friday and Saturday along the Androscoggin River at Simard-Payne Memorial Park.
The festival celebration and appreciation of the Androscoggin River, which is a defining characteristic of the Twin Cities and western Maine, marks the culmination of efforts over the years to clean the river.
In this vein, The Riverfest Regatta 2.0, managed by the organization Lewiston Rowing and supported by local rowing clubs, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday featuring a variety of races on the river throughout the day. The event highlights the contributions of local businesses and organizations to bring the Riverfest into fruition, as well as the impact of the Androscoggin River itself on the local economy and outdoor recreation.
Practice rows, boat drop-off and storage, as well as early registration packet pick-up for the race will take place Friday. Local entities sponsoring the race include Bates College, Museum L/A and Baxter Brewing, just to name a few.
Additional activities and events spanning the two-day festival include a kickball tournament Friday, live music Friday and Saturday, and an artisan craft fair, with a beer garden both days provided by Rooper’s Beverage along with food trucks.
More information on the event and a schedule for the two-day festival can be found at discoverlamaine.com/the-riverfest/ and at lewistonrowing.com/riverfest-regatta. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Most activities will be held at or adjacent to Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston.
Members of the Community Rowing Association from Portland pull in unison as they head up the Androscoggin River during the Riverfest Regatta last year. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
Among the activities:
FRIDAY
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Uplift LA Kickball Tournament
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Trek Across Maine welcome + spectating
11:30 a.m. – noon L/A Taco Food Truck ribbon cutting
Noon – 6 p.m. L/A Taco Food Truck
Noon – 5 p.m. Riverfest Regatta practice rows
2 – 10 p.m. Roopers Beverage Beer Garden
4 p.m. – dusk Canoe rentals
5 – 10 p.m. Live music
5 – 8 p.m. Paddle After Hours
SATURDAY
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Riverfest Regatta Start Line, Simard-Payne
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Artisan craft fair, Auburn Festival Plaza
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Art in the Park, Auburn Festival Plaza
11 a.m. – end Riverfest Regatta viewing at Gritty’s
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Food trucks, Simard-Payne
2 – 10 p.m. Roopers Beverage Beer Garden
3 p.m. – Dusk Canoe rentals
5 – 10 p.m. Live music, Simard-Payne stage
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